Western Australia to Revamp Driving Laws After Fatal Hit-and-Run Concern

Western Australia is implementing changes to its driving laws following public concern that a driver charged with a fatal hit-and-run was allowed to operate a vehicle two months after the incident. This legislative action comes after the mother of Kelly T'Hart, who died in the hit-and-run, expressed distress upon observing the accused individual driving again during the ongoing court process.

Kelly T'Hart, 32, was described as an "amazing young woman" by her mother, Susan T'Hart.

Kelly T'Hart's mother, Susan T'Hart, expressed distress after observing the accused individual driving again during the ongoing court process, just two months after the fatal hit-and-run.

Legislative Changes Proposed

Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby announced the government's intention to amend Western Australia's road rules. Currently, mandatory license suspensions for charged individuals are limited to specific offenses and last for only two months.

Mr. Whitby plans to introduce a bill to parliament that will extend the mandatory suspension period to three months, expand the list of charges that trigger a mandatory suspension, and grant courts increased authority to suspend licenses until cases are concluded.

These proposed changes aim to prevent individuals facing serious charges from driving while awaiting trial. The existing system primarily applied disqualification notices to certain drug and alcohol offenses, highlighting a gap the new laws seek to address.

'Kelly's Law'

The new legislation will be known as "Kelly's Law," in memory of Kelly T'Hart. The expanded scope of the law will apply to any offense that includes a disqualification penalty.

This includes all instances of drink and drug driving, reckless and dangerous driving, high-level speeding, and hit-and-run offenses.

Maddison Peace Bain was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death under the influence of alcohol in connection with Kelly T'Hart's death. Bain has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing in early April.